Isolation and Expression Analysis of CaMBD1 Gene Encoding Methyl-CpG-binding Domain Proteins in Red Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

In this study, we isolated cDNA with open reading frame encoding putative methyl-binding domain proteins from red pepper, which was designated as CaMBD1 (HQ171162). BLASTX search and phylogenetic analysis suggested that the CaMBD1 gene belonged to AtMBD10 group (subclass I) of MBD family. The expression profile of the CaMBD1 was studied via Q-RT-PCR and the results indicated that the CaMBD1 were differentially expressed in detected red pepper tissues. It was interesting to note that CaMBD1 was highly expressed in dry seeds and endosperms. Moreover, the differential expression pattern of CaMBD1 was observed in leaves and roots under water-stress. Also a GFP-CaMDB1 fusion construct introduced into the onion epidermal cells confirmed localization of CaMBD1 into the nuclei. To investigate the biological significance of CaMBD1 proteins, we transformed Arabidopsis using CaMBD1 gene. The resulting 35S::CaMBD1 plants showed a variety of phenotypic effects including aerial rosettes, serrated leaves, abnormal position of flowers, fertility problems and late flowering. Arabidopsis lines involved in chromatin remodeling show similar phenotypes. Our results suggest an important role of CaMBD1 biological in plant growth and development.